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General Dakota Board
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3rdDakLastDak
Dodge Dakota
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10/25/2003
12:43:04
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 Subject: My 2002 - slightly unhealthy?
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In Feb. of 2002, I got a "new" 2002 Dakota CC 2wd 3.9, 5sp. Lots of goodies I'd never had before. It came from another dealer, and the saleslady's dad and friend went to fetch it for us. I guess that's what the grumpy old men do for a part time job. I took delivery of the new truck the next day. They claim it was new. That's when the problems started. I've probably missed a few, but I'll add them on if I have.
I got in it and immediately noticed that the dome lights didn't work. Nor did the power mirrors or power outlet or cargo lamp. Yet the paper said they did, upon inspection. Two excuses - a shipping fuse not replaced...the other, "it blew the fuse". Which was it?
Next day, there's fluid on the garage floor. It's slimy and red. Must be the new coolant...but no leaks found???
A few days later, in fact, almost a week of trouble free driving, the front end began to rattle. My right front shock was loose. Not long after, it was loose again. Then the other got in on the act a few weeks later. Since then, both have been tighted several times and eventually replaced because they broke. I drive on the highway. I don't recall ever having gotten OFF the pavement or hit a big bump. The ride has never been the same.
Then the hydraulic clutch controller began to honk and squeal like a goose being strangled. The clutch was sticky. Replaced the h.c.c. which solved the rough idle and dying and doggy problems too. THAT lasted all of about 4 months, but boy that clutch was nice while it did.
After crawling under it then, I was amazed by the amount of rust. My 10 year old 93 looked better than this one did.
Month or so later, clutch STUCK. Boy did it smell good. Made it home by not using the clutch - now that was an adventure. (Keep in mind I am almost 40, and have had a manual trans. since I was 16.)
AC began to reek like a hog farm after about 10-15 minutes of use. This was remedied with "Frigy-fresh" which made it smell like a French cathouse for months.
Front end rattle again. Rattle clips on front brakes missing. Also, 'arms' for the front brakes never installed at the factory, according to the service manager. What a wonderful 3 months it's been. What else did they forget to install?
Did I mention the road sludge piling in under the doors? Mudflaps helped with this, but didnt' solve it. Door panels don't even fully contact the doors, either, and come loose a lot. Replacing the "Jesus clips" helped.
Chronically fogged up back glass and damp floorboard on passenger side.
The right fog light out of alignment. Lenses cracked all to pieces when I simply wiped them off.
At 2200 RPM's when taking off in 1st gear, the truck lunges, and throws you forward. It's like, that's all you get, shift now.
The heater blower motor began impersonating a chainsaw not long after. Replaced that.
The weatherstrips on the doors are full of rust and fall off a lot. The front black shield right under the windshield is loose.
The AC dumps it's water right onto the exhaust. I mean, it's a beautifully engineered repair built in. That pipe ain't got much life left in it. I love to listen to it sizzle in the summer.
Dingy - the gremlin - we ding for no reason sometimes. Door buzzer/dinger for keys in and door open? Works when it wants to.
Creaky power windows that sometimes struggle.
Power steering whine.
Heater began blowing cold air this last winter. My coolant level was "very low" Don't know where it went, no one knows...and it's eaten 2 gallons since. Pressure test negative.
2 days later, heater hose blew off.
The trim inside has always been very loose. Very loose. All 3 colors of it. I have a tri-color interior, but it's plush and nice...and damp. I love my seats, as long as I sit still.
The gas tank filler screws are rusting into the surrounding areas.
Now there's been a loud CLANK! from the rear end, so the independent inspector says. If you let off the gas during driving and hit it again, you really CLANK!. Also when engaging to start off. Before you even move, CLANK!
The glovebox doesn't close right and sometimes opens all by itself.
Illumination in the door panel for mirrors, windows, locks blinks on and off.
Seat squeaks. No butt jokes, I am not fat.
Passenger side air bag panel fits oddly into the dash, looks crooked to me.
Welds and seams - all of them look sloppy.
Ahh, 20k miles. Front brake rotors need work and the back ones are out of adjustment. What was the song, "The hippy hippy shake?"
Keep in mind that most of this is highway driving. Wonder if those missing clips/arms contributed to this, since I rattled for 2 weeks?
The clutch pedal still squeaks in damp weather, but never in hot sunny weather.
What's this new awful crunching sound now, when I turn the wheels either way while moving?
Some days are better than others, but some days you don't get third gear easily. You have to hunt for it.
Don't forget to feed the power steering pump.
And Chrysler's response? Abuse and neglect. Can someone explain to me, then, how I got almost 170k out of the last one with only on broken exhaust bolt, a radiator, and tune-ups?
Somehow, I don't think we're going to make it to the 30k maintenance checkup...we have just bearly made it to the 20k mark now...
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hahaha
Dodge Dakota
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10/25/2003
12:45:09
|  RE: My 2002 - slightly unhealthy?
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"WELCOME TO DODGE DIFFERENT"
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Yeppers
Dodge Dakota
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10/25/2003
13:03:21
| RE: My 2002 - slightly unhealthy?
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I tell ya, many roll of the line built like crap. Mines been ok after a slew of problems early on, taken care of under warranty. I'll drive this one into the ground, and then buy an import. I'm hoping they beef up the Frontier in the next few years.
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Sesquash
Dodge Dakota
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10/25/2003
13:30:00
|  This stuff goes waaaaaaaayk back...
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My first Dodge/Chrysler was a 1974 Dart Custom (with the BEST engine I have EVER had the pleasure of owning, by the way---Dodge Slant Six).
The water leak (NEVER ACTUALLY FIXED) from the right rear window (can you say; "Niagara Falls"?) was the reason that I evntually traded it in.
Water leaks and Dodge/Chrysler have had a love/hate relationship far back beyond even the 'K' car platform.
If you like Dodge, you have to buy towels. Come to think of it, Dodge lost a great marketing 'in' by not having sponges and towels with the RAM logo on it. Man-o-man..I think I just thought upon a gold mine, ROTFLMAO!
Ok...ok......lol......
Sesquash
2003 R/T (Towels at the ready in the storage compartment.....) Sheesh....
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cool
Dodge Dakota
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10/25/2003
14:17:39
| RE: My 2002 - slightly unhealthy?
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Nothing wrong with my 2002.
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Stampy
Dodge Dakota
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10/25/2003
14:28:01
|  RE: My 2002 - slightly unhealthy?
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Sounds like you got a lemon. This is a really bad situation. If the dealer isn't willing to work with you and/or you don't want to put the effort in, it's time to trade it in. After reading your post, I would get rid of it. It's not fair, but sometimes you have to cut your losses and move on.
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Stampy
Dodge Dakota
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10/25/2003
14:49:24
| RE: My 2002 - slightly unhealthy?
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I should mention that I'm a big Dodge fan and I love my Dakota, but life's too short to spend in a vehicle you're not happy with. I've had a lemon (GMC Sierra) before and the dealer was downright hostile. I cut my losses and sold that truck. I had tried going through the GM arbitration process, but they failed to contact me when they promised to. So, the truck was sold. I was happy, except that I lost money. The only revenge I have is telling people all about that dealer. The truth makes them look pretty bad.
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Manuel
Dodge Dakota
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10/25/2003
16:37:54
| RE: My 2002 - slightly unhealthy?
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Yeppers, funny you should mention the Nissan. I have been looking at the Fords but I am definitely going to check out the Nissan Titan when it is available. I've heard a lot of people say about certain brands, "They'll run forever, if you take care of them." That hasn't been true of my Dakota. The reason I want to check out the Nissan is because I don't hear that said about them. Everyone that I've hear recommend a Nissan says "I've beat the crap out if it and it STILL ran forever". I'd rather be able to spend my money on a new motorcycle than major truck repairs.
3rdDak: It sounds to me like you need to get some help fighting this. I recommend you start with the Better Business Bureau (if you haven't already) and also by contacting a Consumer Advocate named Tom Martino. He's well-known in Colorado but he doesn't limit himself to the state. Start by visiting www.troubleshooter.com. Goodluck 3rdDak, I wouldn't wish your experience on anyone.
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ree
Dodge Dakota
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10/25/2003
19:49:37
| RE: My 2002 - slightly unhealthy?
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I had two nissan trucks before my dak and they were great. I bought the dak for something bigger.
The nissans were built and designed way better than the dak. The daks seem to leak everywhere, valve covers, trans seal etc and break a lot.
I don't like all the plastic on the new nissans and that france owns 44% of the company.
Next truck will probably be a toyota tundra if i have the money.
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LeeIac
Dodge Dakota
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10/25/2003
19:55:53
| RE: My 2002 - slightly unhealthy?
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DaimlerBenz got stuck with the crappy dealer network and the drunken slobs that bolt the trucks together when they bought Chryler, lock, stock and barrel.
If the trucks were built and sold/serviced by people who actually gave a shlt, then you would have been happy with a good product.
That's why the German owners are moving all production to Mexico and South America. In those countries you can get rid of useless drunken morons without causing a tizzy in the rank and file slob population.
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Stampy
Dodge Dakota
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10/25/2003
21:09:04
| RE: My 2002 - slightly unhealthy?
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I think Leelac has a pretty good understanding of the situation. Most of these people don't give a sh*t. We're on our own, so it's nice that we can get some help through these forums. It's just too bad that Chrysler doesn't step up & take responsibility for their f*ck ups. A little good will would go a long way.
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Used2haveDak
Dodge Dakota
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10/26/2003
01:03:35
| RE: My 2002 - slightly unhealthy?
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I had a 2002 RC V6, and it was a decent truck...almost. I ran it for 10K, and hadn't had any real trouble with it, until the dreaded AC drain tube leak hit with a vengeance, and I could see the handwriting on the wall with a few other little "changes" that were taking place. So, I did what Stampy talked about. I left work one morning, drove straight to the Toyota dealer, left the Dak sitting on his lot, and drove home in a new '03 Tundra SR5. I haven't regretted it since, I love this truck.
I stop by here once in a blue moon now, just to see if there's anybody asking something that I can help with...I got to know my Dak pretty well. I've had Dodges before, and they've been good vehicles, but I won't take a chance on them now. If Chrysler would lose the BS "we don't make mistakes" attitude, I'd be more inclined to give them another chance. I was interested in a HEMI Ram, but decided not to risk it, so I went for the T, and I'm glad I did.
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Dan Brummer
Dodge Dakota
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10/26/2003
01:49:03
| RE: My 2002 - slightly unhealthy?
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I think your truck was in a accident before you got it. You have symptoms of a repaired vehicle.
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Andrew
Dodge Dakota
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10/26/2003
03:16:54
| RE: My 2002 - slightly unhealthy?
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Really sorry about your luck, my 2002 is just about the opposite of yours, my advice, seriously, take it to a parking lot without cameras and set it on fire, report it stolen, and make the insurance company buy a new one for ya, they screw people on their insurance prices anyway, make them work for all that money you give them. Why should you pay 1/8th the price of a new truck every year for nothing?
Andrew
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Eli
Dodge Dakota
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10/26/2003
08:21:47
| RE: My 2002 - slightly unhealthy?
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This isn't nice! You've definetly been had. Have you checked the VIN to see if it is used?
It doesn't sound like a new vehicle at all...and even if it is, it has serious problems. Document everything that has happened to it (apparently you have). If you have repair reciepts or something, gather all you can and try to reason with the dealer to buy back your vehicle, if they don't you should be able to take all your documentation to a legal source.
I think any lawyer will be able to see that it's pretty obvious Dodge screwed up here, and the threat of legal action could prompt them into helping you out. If it doesn't your legal action should get you back your money at least plus attorney expenses.
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Manuel
Dodge Dakota
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10/26/2003
11:52:21
| RE: My 2002 - slightly unhealthy?
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Hey Ree, just out of curiosity, how many miles did you put on your Nissans and what kind of repairs did you have to do? I was considering looking at a Tundra too, but the Nissan has 60 HP on the Tundra. I agree with you on the styling of the Nissan (I like the look of the Ram and the F-150 much better), but I think I'm going to with something that has a proven reliability record. DC can take their attitude all the way to the unemployment lines.
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ree
Dodge Dakota
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10/26/2003
18:19:45
| RE: My 2002 - slightly unhealthy?
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I kept saying I'll get rid of the nissan but it kept running so it became a game I'll keep it for 100k then 150k then 200k and finally I saID ENOUGH.
Daks are OK but they sell low they run but they need more maintenance. I do my own work so it does'nt bother me too much. But the dak is high maintenance. someting leaking or not working. hey it's low end transportation
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3rdDakLastDak
Dodge Dakota
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10/27/2003
08:22:15
| RE: My 2002 - slightly unhealthy?
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Thanks for the feedback guys.
I can't say any more about what I've done about it. I can only talk about the problems, not the repercussions. But I can say that I am NOT taking it from them. The dealer has been really militant about repairs, claiming that Chrysler won't honor the warranties.
At the onset, I asked nicely about what to do. I NEVER mentioned any kind of hostile actions. The owner called and asked if I would like a 5/75 bumper to bumper ext-warranty, claiming that I had no cause for replacement of the truck. I accepted, but signed nothing. Didn't matter, it's still under 3/36 which they won't honor either. They claim since I don't come in every 3k miles so they can "inspect and service it" that my warranties are all invalid. Hell, it's had nothing BUT service since day 1. How much more can it need?!
Keep in mind that I NEVER mentioned replacement to them at this point. I only asked "What can we do now?" HE was the one who started talking about various ... uhhh...things to do...hint hint.
I ran the thing through Carfax, but it came back clean. Doesn't really mean anything, if the originating dealer had someone crash it on a test drive and hid the repair in their own shop. That, or it had a VIN switch done. For all I know, it could have fallen off of the semi that brought it.
After a search when I ordered it, 3 came up. 2 other dealers said "No, he can come here and buy it." This one said, "yeah, come and get it!" Should have known.
After the other 2 Dak's I had, and especially the 93, I was so looking forward to this one. The 93 was just FINE in every way...it was just too hard to stuff 3 kids, a camera bag and groceries and a dog into it when it rained. Got a bit tight in the reg. cab, too. And after 10 years, you want something new.
I have found, though, that THIS is how Dodge treats a 3 time repeat customer. I wonder how many other people out there can claim that they bought each body generation of Dak brand new?
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